The Live Stream Pirates Are Coming For You 🏴☠️
Are live stream pirates putting the future of virtual events at risk?
Until recently, paying for live stream access was something that was very uncommon. In many cases, people were reluctant to charge for live stream access.
Over the last few months we've seen charging for live stream access become normalized. In some cases, millions of dollars are being made from paid live streams. While paid live streams aren't mainstream yet, they are certainly well on their way.
There is one big problem that has emerged. This is standing in the way of live streams being commercially viable.
And that is live stream pirates. We are seeing many paid live streams being re-streamed on free platforms like Twitch to avoid paying for access.
This presents a BIG challenge to the business model behind paid live streams. If live streams aren't able to generate enough revenue to cover production costs, it's a big problem.
Live streams are already up against some intense competition, and pirated live streams make it even more challenging for live stream organizers to get to commercial viability.
What do you think? Is there a way to prevent live stream piracy? Are live stream pirates putting the future of virtual events at risk?
—
A special thanks to Rick Choi for the observation. And also to Bri Willis reading the draft and pointing out my spelling mistakes!